March Wires TCP 2022

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contents

March 2022 04 06 18

29 30 34 12 08 Cast-Iron

Comeback

Versatile, time-tested cookware is reclaiming its spot in home kitchens.

Story and photos by Russell A. Graves

Hope in a Box

A breast cancer survivor sends care packages of recovery aids to women all over the world.

By Laura Tolley Photos by Scott Van Osdol

37 38

currents The latest buzz tcp talk Readers respond co-op news Information plus energy and safety tips from your cooperative Footnotes in texas history The Inside Track

By W.F. Strong tcp kitchen Texas’ Best

By Megan Myers hit the road Chomping at the Trip

By Chet Garner Focus on texas Photo Contest: The Texas Experience observations Just Add Adventure

By Pam LeBlanc

On the COVer

Cast-iron pizza has the perfect crunch.

Photo by Russell A. Graves AbOVe

Sewing a pocket into the inside of a shirt for the blessing box Project.

Photo by Scott Van Osdol t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3

Currents

i n t e r n at i o n a l w o m e n ’ s Day —March 8—is a global celebration of

women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. You can also mark the occasion March 28, when Writing With Fire airs on PBS. The documentary, a selection of the World Cinema Documentary Competition at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, profiles Khabar Lahariya, a newspaper in rural India run by an all-women newsroom. The paper, whose name translates to “waves of news,” employs journalists from Dalit, tribal, and Muslim communities, whose members have historically been marginalized.

Their coverage of rural issues, corruption and gender violence earned a Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation in 2021. “[Khabar Lahariya] has broken barriers to establish women as journalists in small towns and villages where newsmakers have long been men, upper caste and well-connected to the political system,” the foundation wrote.

more than

200

electric co-ops in the U.s. are developing or planning to deploy high-speed internet services for their members, giving them better access to telehealth services, online learning and remote work and attracting new families and businesses.

selena on celluloid

Selena, the film about the Tejano music star from Lake Jackson, came out 25 years ago this month. Jennifer Lopez played Selena, below, in the movie, released March 21, 1997.

4 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

fi lm Still: bl ACk t iCke t f ilmS | CO urte Sy O f S un dAnCe inSti tu te . Sele nA: mitCh ell G erber | Ge t t y imAGeS. b urGer: mAr A z Am | dre AmStime .COm. b urrO: PilenSPhOtO | StOCk . AdObe .COm

Rural Reporters Making Waves

Finish this sentence THE WOMAN I ADMIRE MOST IN HISTORY IS ... tell us how you would finish that

sentence. email your short responses to letters@texasCoopPower.com or

comment on our facebook post. include your co-op and town.

below are some of the responses to

our January prompt: this year i’m finally

going to …

Contests and More enter contests at texascooppower.com $500 recipe contest best burgers

Focus on texas photos morning Glory

recommenDeD reaDinG texas independence day is march 2.

A stolen stallion might have doomed mexico during the revolution’s decisive battle at San Jacinto in April 1836. read Old Whip: A Headstrong Texas Hero from January 2009 for the full story.

build those raised garden beds for my wife. Or pay one of the grandkids while i watch and supervise. r AndAll hAle fOrt belknAP eC Olney

travel down different texas roads.

ChuCk burGeSS heArt Of texAS eC milAnO

learn to let go of what i can’t change. bArbArA elliS V i A fAC e b O O k

Quit smoking, drinking and cussing while fixing that leak.

JOe treVinO Jr. bArtlett eC killeen

make no resolutions—just do the best i can each day. lO r A h O rtO n V i A fAC e b O O k

to see more responses, read Currents online.

“Wildflowers are the stuff of my heart!”

— l a dy B i r d J o h n s o n

Burrowing Burros s c i e n t i s t s h av e r e c o r D e D wild donkeys and horses digging wells in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona to reach groundwater to quench their thirst.

The animals use their hooves to carve out holes up to 6 feet deep, and researchers report in Science that the wells serve as oases that provide water for dozens of other species, including songbirds, deer and mountain lions. m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 5

TCP Talk Dead certain

“No Monterey High School grad would be caught ‘dead’ in a letter sweater with an L on it.

That was for Lubbock High, our crosstown rivals.”

Dogs changing lives

Patriot Paws in Rockwall raises and trains assistance dogs for disabled military veterans [Furred Responders, January 2022]. The dogs are trained at their kennels and in several men’s and women’s prisons. This organization has changed the lives of so many veterans and their families.

Lately they have started a program where they take some of their dogs and puppies to police departments (and any organization that requests) to help with stress relief.

i made the Chicken and dumpling Soup [Soups and Stews, January 2022], and it is incredible. well-deserved firstplace winner.

Cy n t h i A l e i G h A m AyA V i A fA C e b O O k

Christine davis farmers eC rockwall correction

A photo with Aggie Standouts [January 2022] showing texas A&m university’s Corps of Cadets’ block Aggie t formation was incorrectly identified. the 1920 photo was taken at a football game against baylor university at the Cow Palace in waco, not kyle field in College Station. researchers at texas A&m’s Cushing memorial library & Archives found the photo, right, in a 100-year-old scrapbook, confirming the location.

texas electric cooperatives boarD oF Directors chair Gary raybon, el Campo • vice chair kelly lankford, San Angelo secretary-treasurer neil hesse, muenster • board members Greg henley, tahoka Julie Parsley, Johnson City • doug turk, livingston • brandon young, mcGregor presiDent/ceo mike williams, Austin communications & member services committee matt bentke, bastrop • marty haught, burleson • ron hughes, Sinton Gary miller, bryan • zac Perkins, hooker, Oklahoma • John ed Shinpaugh, bonham rob walker, Gilmer • buff whitten, eldorado maGazine staFF vice president, communications & member services martin bevins editor Chris burrows • editor-at-large Charles J. lohrmann • associate editor tom widlowski production manager karen nejtek • creative manager Andy doughty advertising manager elaine Sproull communications specialist Alex dal Santo • print production specialist Grace fultz communications specialist travis hill • Food editor megan myers • communications specialist Jessica ridge • Digital content producer Chris Salazar • senior Designer Jane Sharpe • proofreader Shannon Oelrich • Digital media intern Sabrina macias 6 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

slice of life

For my mother’s Christmas gift, I treated her to lunch at Rebecca Rather’s place in Fredericksburg, Emma + Ollie [The Alchemy of Egg Whites, November 2021]. Rebecca chatted with Mom and me and autographed my copy of her meringue recipe featured in the November issue. It was a wonderful Christmas gift for my 85-year-old mom.

traveling texas

Before Bob and Kelli Phillips [The Domino Effect, December 2021], there was Frank X. Tolbert, who wrote a column in The Dallas Morning News every week about his travels in Texas called Tolbert’s Texas, which ran from 1946 till his death in 1984. don Pryor bandera eC boerne

rhonna Carter hamilton County eC Gatesville write to u s

letters@texasCoopPower.com editor, texas Co-op Power 1122 Colorado St., 24th floor Austin, tx 78701 please include your electric co-op and town. letters may be edited for clarity and length. texas Co-op Power

texas co-op power Volume 78, number 9 (uSPS 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published monthly by texas electric Cooperatives (teC). Periodical postage paid at Austin, tx, and at additional offices. teC is the statewide association representing 75 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s website is texasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email editor@texasCoopPower.com. subscriptions Subscription price is $4.44 per year for individual members of subscribing cooperatives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. if you are not a member of a subscribing cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. individual copies and back issues for the previous 12 months are available for $3 each. postmaster Send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (uSPS 540-560), 1122 Colorado St., 24th floor, Austin, tx 78701. Please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing old address and key numbers. aDvertisinG Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in our 30 sister publications in other states, contact elaine Sproull at (512) 486-6251. Advertisements in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. the publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any manner any product or company included in this publication. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. © Copyright 2022 texas electric Cooperatives inc. reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. willie wiredhand © Copyright 2022 national rural electric Cooperative Association.

t e x ASC O O P POw e r .C O m

AGGieS: e.C. CuShinG ’23 SCrAPbOOk, 1919-1923, CuShinG memOriAl librAry & ArChiVeS, texAS A&m uniVerSity

dAnA Smith

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m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 7

Cast-Iron Comeback versatile, time-tested cookware is reclaiming its spot among home chefs

8 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

t e x ASC O O P POw e r .C O m

s t o r y a n d p h o t o s B y r U s s e l l a . g r av e s

From inside my home, I could smell the wood smoke wafting across the lawn. It’s a delightful blend of post oak and some fruitwood, and just the aroma makes me hungry.

With my smoker keeping a steady temperature of 350 degrees, I preheat a seasoned, 9-inch cast-iron skillet. Because it’s an all-metal piece of cookware, I don’t have to worry about plastic handles or Teflon coatings getting ruined by the heat.

Soon I’ve placed some homemade dough, tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni in the skillet and back into the smoker.

The woodsmoke-infused pizza will taste great, and the crunch provided by the cast-iron pan will give the pizza the texture I’m after.

Fifteen minutes later I have (at least in my estimation) pizza perfection, and it was made possible by a piece of cast iron handed down through my family over a couple of generations.

Cast-iron cookware is the ultimate utilitarian piece for the home chef, and while it’s been used for nearly 2,000 years in one iteration or another, the venerated cookware is making a comeback because of its versatility and durability.

Cast iron gives cornbread a crust you can’t get in a baking dish.

AbOV e the cookware can be used on the stovetop or in the oven—paths to a perfect egg.

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t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 9

Old Reliable

C

ast iron is a combination of iron, steel and carbon alloys blended in a forge to make iron that’s tough and resilient enough to last decades.

Once molten, the steel is poured into a mold of compressed sand, and when cooled, the sand is shaken loose to reveal the nearly finished pan. Once the pan goes through a process to trim off the excess metal and polishing, it’s ready for seasoning and use.

The Chinese first used cast iron for cooking nearly 2,000 years ago, and over time the iron casting process has been used to build cannons, architectural elements like bridges, and art. The technology eventually made its way to the Americas.

Colonial Americans used cast iron extensively for cooking, and as American settlers moved west, the cookware made its way across the plains and mountains on the back of chuck wagons.

“The chuck wagon cook is part of our Western heritage,” says Kent Rollins, a chuck wagon cook, educator and YouTube personality. Rollins has been a cowboy and cook all his life, so he’s got the hard-earned bona fides to have the attention of nearly 2 million subscribers. “If cast iron was good enough for ol’ Cookie to take on the trail, it’s good enough for me. We have some old cast equipment that’s close to 100 years old or older, and it still holds up. If you take care of it, it will never wear out.”

As cowboys and cattle peppered the plains in the great cattle drives of the 1880s, the need for portable food preparation was paramount. Camp cooks used Dutch ovens to prepare stocks, stews and even bread. Dutch ovens are pots with a large, flat lid that allows for the even distribution of coals across the top, so that heat comes from both the top and the bottom of the vessel. That even heating is essential for creating bread and cobblers—a staple of chuck wagon cooks everywhere. It’s the same oven that Rollins recommends to first-time cast-iron cooks.

He says that if you have a 12-inch skillet and a 12-inch Dutch oven, you can cook just about anything. New cast1 0 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

iron cooks should start with cornbread to learn to control the heat from the coals, Rollins advises. Once you’ve mastered cornbread, other dishes become simple.

The versatility of the Dutch oven makes it a valuable piece of cookware.

“You get what you pay for,” Rollins advises. “I always look for cast iron that’s made in the USA. It’s a bit higher priced than cast iron made elsewhere, but it’s a lifelong investment, and it will give you something back every time you cook out of it.” t e x ASC O O P POw e r .C O m

william Graves, the author’s brother, slow-cooks red beans in a cast-iron dutch oven over a campfire. r iGht new potatoes are seared before being roasted.

O PPOSite

Cooking Up a Story

t

he post-World War II era brought change to American kitchens. Pans made from newer and lighter materials and with nonstick coatings were appealing, pushing cast iron mostly out of favor.

But in the 21st century, cast iron has made a comeback, earning favor among professional and home chefs everywhere. Aside from its durability, cast iron heats more evenly and holds heat more efficiently than just about every other type of cookware. The simplicity of its design enhances the material’s functionality.

In years past, the 9-inch frying pan and the Dutch oven were among the most common cast-iron pieces. But because of the resurgence, many manufacturers now offer skillets of all sizes, a variety of Dutch ovens, and myriad accessories and baking pans. As such, the demand for cast-iron cookware is still a niche of the total cookware market, but it’s indeed gaining steam. Even small manufacturers like the Fredericksburg Cast Iron Co. see the potential for bringing a new pan to the marketplace.

“We initially introduced a 10-inch skillet with a smooth, hand-seasoned nonstick cooking surface, which is created using a handcrafted method of finishing and polishing,” says Jay Mallinckrodt, founder of the boutique crafter of cast-iron skillets that was established in 2021. “This new approach resulted from the frustration of using so-called modern cookware that wore out quickly and a desire to avoid intimidating rough, coarse and sandpaperlike castiron surfaces that proliferate the ironware market. Our result is heavy-duty cast-iron cookware that is 100% made in Texas and can last for generations.

“Very few high-quality cooking products in the market today can be purchased for less than $200,” Mallinckrodt says. “A good cast-iron pan will not only cook your meal, but it will also bring families and friends together. That pan also becomes an heirloom piece and will last for generations.”

Wild game chef Jesse Morris, who has cooked in high-end restaurants and hotels in Dallas, swears by cast iron. He advises that any protein you cook in cast iron benefits from the controlled crisping and searing that it provides. Beyond that, he says, cast iron adds to the story of a meal.

“There is an allure of cooking with well-made pans,” Morris says. “Cooking is full of romance, and it tells a story.

When you take the time to make something special and you’re using a grandparent’s old skillet or Dutch oven that has been well seasoned and made smooth from years of stirring, it helps add to that story.” D

enter online to win a skillet from fredericksburg Cast iron Co. t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

seasoning and caring for cast iron B y r U s s e l l a . g r av e s

there’s something about the flavor when you cook on cast iron that brings food like bacon and eggs alive. i also love cast-iron cornbread, which has a great crust on the bottom, and that brings a flavor that you can’t replicate. before you cook on cast iron, there’s one simple step required: Season the pan. you may wonder why. it’s pretty simple: when you season a cast-iron pan, you help protect the metal, and add a little bit of nonstick properties to the cast iron. So as you use your pans over and over, the cookware becomes more and more seasoned. to start the process, a good washing is in order. i use a stiff dishwashing pad and scrub it as best i can. you’ll hear some people say that you shouldn’t put soap and water on a cast-iron pan, and while that’s true after they’ve been seasoned, when refurbishing a pan, you’ll want to try to get all the dirt and grime off it.

After a good washing, place the pan on a stovetop set to medium heat to evaporate all the water. After a slow cooldown, wipe the pan with a towel to make sure all the moisture is gone. next, use some sort of cooking oil (i use shortening) and rub down the entire pan. while coating, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. when the pan is coated, place it in the oven on the middle rack and let it heat evenly for a couple of hours. Once the pan is cooled, you should have a properly seasoned pan. regular use will continue the seasoning process, and the pan will darken over time. to clean cast iron, simply wipe it down with a dry towel. if you need to scrub the pan, just reseason it in the oven. m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 1 1

poWer of oUr people

HOPE

IN ♥ A

BOX

B y l a U r a t o l l e y • p h o t o s B y s c o t t va n o s d o l

A breast cancer survivor sends care packages of recovery aids to women all over the world

T

he large, unadorned box that arrived on Kim Carpenter’s doorstep contained just a few simple items—a big shirt with inside pockets, a long pillow, personal notes of encouragement.

But it meant the world to her.

Carpenter had just been through several grueling months of chemotherapy for her breast cancer and was about to undergo a double mastectomy. She felt lost and confused.

“Then you see that box and open it. It’s exciting because you know somebody cares enough to send you something that will be helpful,” Carpenter says, choking back tears as she recalls that day in January 2021. “It is a blessing, even though it’s just a pillow and a shirt and a few other things.

It’s hope in a box.”

Carpenter, who lives in Brookshire, west of Houston, is one of more than 6,700 women who have received a care package from the Blessing Box Project, founded by breast cancer survivor Dawn Compton, a San Bernard Electric Cooperative member who lives in nearby Bellville. And the community of supporters is growing.

Compton’s work is rooted in her own experience. She recalls crying all the way home from the doctor after learning she had breast cancer in March 2018. Through the tears, she prayed, asking for the strength to help others in their fights— though she wasn’t exactly sure what that meant. She says she’s always been a helper. Her motto: Do as much as we can for as many as we can for as long as we can and then rest.

“I was crying and I said: This is not my choice, so it’s yours.

I will do what I’m supposed to do,” Compton says she told God. “I will open every door I’m supposed to go through. Put me in front of whoever needs me, who needs to hear my story.”

ClOCk wiSe frOm tOP lef t blessing box Project founder dawn Compton, who often gets help from volunteers.

Gabby Smith irons for blessing box. tinley malota, Compton’s granddaughter, and tinley’s aunt, madi Compton, sew shirts. belle Ary helps ready a shipment. kim Carpenter, a recipient of a blessing box, sews for the cause.

t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

To keep busy, Compton started knitting caps for women who lost their hair during chemotherapy. As she worked on each one, she prayed for the person who would wear it.

When she found out she would have to undergo a double mastectomy, she scoured the internet for information about what to do after the operation.

She found instructions for making a special shirt to wear and a pillow. The oversized men’s shirt called for adding two pockets on the inside to hold lengthy drains that are attached to the breast removal site. The long pillow “hugs” the upper torso, providing comfort as the patient sleeps, rides in vehicles and does other activities.

“I just started out making a couple of pillows to keep my sanity,” she says. “Now, it’s my life.”

Compton also found support through Facebook pages for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. After posting about the two shirts and pillow she made for herself, she got a private message from a Fort Worth woman asking if she would do the same for her. Compton did and sent it to the woman in a box. The woman thanked her online, which prompted several more requests.

Compton kept sewing, and the requests kept coming in.

While unloading boxes one day at the post office, a friend asked her what she was doing. Compton explained, and the woman offered to help, as did others. Her first sewing group met in nearby Nelsonville.

“We thought we were knocking the world apart doing 50 boxes that day!” she says.

Her “pink sewing tribe” has since grown and meets on alternating Saturdays at churches in Bellville and Hempstead to make items for Blessing Boxes. On one Saturday, the women met to assemble contents for 125 boxes. They ended up filling 132.

“Everybody just does their own thing,” Compton says.

“I couldn’t do this by myself anymore.”

She gets help from beyond her sewing posse. Thrift stores donate collared men’s button-down shirts. Volunteers in several other states make pillows and mail them to her, and an elderly woman in nearby Industry contributes about 30 handmade pillows a month. The owner of a dry cleaner has even pressed shirts for the project.

Supporters make other items for the boxes: One crafts pocket crosses with a short Bible verse, and another makes small prayer quilts. Compton also gets pens, socks, keychains and more. “I send out whatever comes in,” she says.

Compton declines payment for the items, but she will accept postage costs if the recipient can cover it. Some pay more. People donate items, prompting Compton’s daughter to create an Amazon wish list for donations.

Compton has shipped the boxes all over the United States, to Puerto Rico and to several other countries, including South Africa, Afghanistan and Australia. m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 1 3

how to he lp

to send donations or find other ways to help the blessing box Project, go to blessingboxproject.com. power oF our people

to nominate a co-op member who makes a difference in your community, email details to people@texascooppower.com.

“What has really struck me is the kindness I see,” she says. “People have no one, then they open their box and they are moved to tears because someone cares. It’s the difference between walking alone scared to death and knowing somebody is behind you saying you can do this.”

Carpenter felt cared for when she received her box.

After her surgery, it hurt to lower her arms all the way down to her sides. But the pillow eased her pain by wrapping around her front and tucking under her arms so she didn’t have to close them against her body. The shirt held the drains that she called annoying.

Carpenter also was moved by the personal messages written on the pillow and the pockets inside the shirt. The notes told her people were praying for her and that she was strong enough to make it through this ordeal. All Blessing Box Project shirts and pillows have similar messages.

Now, after chemo, surgery and radiation, Carpenter says she’s doing great and helps out when she can with Blessing Boxes—mostly stuffing pillows since she isn’t a seamstress.

“It’s neat to have a bunch of women together working to bless other ladies,” Carpenter says. “It’s amazing what Dawn has done with this project. She’s motivated; she’s hardworking.”

Compton is well known around Bellville for her passion for and commitment to the Blessing Box Project and other community activities, said John Spiess and Lari Samford, employees of San Bernard EC. “She is extremely active and supportive of a lot of things in our community,” Samford says.

Spiess’ wife, daughter and granddaughter volunteer with the Blessing Box Project.

“Dawn is very much a strong Christian woman, and she puts that into her Blessing Box effort. It’s like a ministry [for her],” says Spiess, who has known Compton since they were in school together. “She was always real sweet, very humble and passionate about what she does. What you see is what you get—beautiful on the inside as well as the outside.” D 1 4 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

“People have no one, then they open their box and they are moved to tears because someone cares.”

tOP Cancer survivor Susan Scott revels in the company of other volunteers while sewing pillows. AbOVe erika Guerrero adds pillows to blessing boxes.

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5 Countries, 5 Pure Silver Coins!

Your Silver Passport to Travel the World The 5 Most Popular Pure Silver Coins on Earth in One Set

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ravel the globe, without leaving home—with this set of the world’s five most popular pure silver coins. Newly struck for 2022 in one troy ounce of fine silver, each coin will arrive in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. Your excursion includes stops in the United States, China, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

We’ve Done the Work for You with this Extraordinary 5-Pc. World Silver Coin Set Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability, even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal tender value.

2022 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the single most popular coin in the world. 2022 represents the first full year of release of the Silver Eagle’s new Eagles Landing reverse design, introduced midway through last year to honor the coin’s 35th anniversary. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint.

2022 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best-known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. 2022 is the 5th anniversary of the first silver Krugerrand.

Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint.

2022 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, highlighted by one-year-only designs. This 2022 Panda features its first-ever privy mark honoring the coin’s 40th anniversary. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint.

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Subject to availability, on a total purchase of 3 or more. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for an appointment must be made and documented on or before 3/31/22 with the purchase then occurring on or before 4/10/22. 3% cash discount for payment in full by cash or check applied at time of sale. 2No payments and deferred interest for 12 months available from third-party lenders to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months. Products are marketed, sold and installed (but not manufactured) by Renewal by Andersen retailers, which are independently owned and operated under Central Texas Windows & Doors LLC, d/b/a Renewal by Andersen of Austin and San Antonio. North Texas Windows & Doors LLC, d/b/a Renewal by Andersen of Dallas/Fort Worth and West Texas. See complete information and entity identification at www.rbaguidelines.com. ©2022 Andersen Corporation. ©2022 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved.

Teaching Our Youth the Important Lesson of Energy Efficiency - CEO Message Varzavand "Avan" Irani

Electronic and mobile devices, TVs, computers and gaming stations have become ubiquitous fixtures in our homes, particularly those with children. Consumer electronics coupled with the proliferation of smart home appliances, technology and electric vehicles have slowly but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles.

This ever-connected world is the modern environment in which children are growing up. And with lifestyles increasingly reliant on technology and in turn, energy consumption, teaching youngsters to save energy is an important life lesson.

The Why But before parents can teach their children how to save energy, they must first answer the question, “what’s in it for me?” As most parents can attest, convincing kids to care about energy efficiency is a hard sell. Parents need to explain why it’s important to save energy and how it benefits the child – otherwise they will not understand the need to change their habits and will be less motivated to do so. In the simplest terms, less money spent on an electric bill can mean more money used for fun activities (that’s something children can relate to!).

Learning by Doing Because “saving energy” is an abstract concept for children, be specific about energy efficiency actions and set an example.

We know that children learn by observing what their parents do. Even if they don’t say anything, children are processing your actions. When you turn off the lights when leaving a room or unplug the phone charger once the device is fully charged, they will notice. Learning about energy efficiency doesn’t have to be a boring lecture.

Make it fun for greater impact.

For younger kids, turn energy efficiency into a “treasure hunt” or “Bingo” game (like the one on page 19) to locate all the things in your home that use electricity. Depending on

the age of the children, challenge them to count and group the items into categories: electronics, appliances, lights, etc.

If age appropriate, have them create a list. Ask which gadgets and appliances could be turned off or unplugged to save power every day.

For older children, show them how to program the smart thermostat and appliances. Shop with them for LED lights and discuss ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. Show them the electric bill so they can see the costs, energy use and how their actions impact the bill.

Kids of all ages can learn a few simple energy-saving habits that can last a lifetime: • Turn off lights, devices, computers and video consoles when not in use.

• Open blinds and curtains during winter days to let warm sunlight in and close them during summer days to keep your home cooler.

• If your children are old enough to run the dishwasher or wash their own clothes, teach them to run these appliances only with a full load and during off-peak energy hours.

Rewards Offer rewards for agreed upon milestones. Rewards provide positive reinforcement on energy-saving actions. The idea is to create a habit of being energy efficient. And for parents, this could mean less nagging about turning off the lights!

Teaching your children about saving energy is not only a creative way to spend time with them; it helps your home to be more energy efficient and can instill good habits that will benefit your child long into adulthood.

Energizing South Texas for the past 80 years. That’s the Cooperative difference.

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ENERGY CONSERVATION BINGO Cross off a square for each energy conservation task you complete. Share this with your friends and family to see who can get a “BINGO” first!

B

I

N

G

O

Turn water off while brushing your teeth and soaping your hands

Play outside!

Ask a parent to adjust the AC/ Heating Thermostat to SAVE energy!

Turn off lights when you leave a room

Walk somewhere instead of riding in a car

Unplug unused phone chargers

Get everything you need out of the fridge in one trip

Keep the door closed to prevent cold/warm air from excaping your home

Limit time on tablets to save energy on charging

Look for light around doors & windows and tell a parent to weatherstrip

Take a 5-minute shower

Look for light around doors & windows and tell a parent to weatherstrip

FREE

Unplug unused phone chargers

Play outside!

Limit time on tablets to save energy on charging

Ask a parent to adjust the AC/ Heating Thermostat to SAVE energy!

Turn off lights when you leave a room

Take a 5-minute shower

Collect items to recycle

Play outside!

Keep the door closed to prevent cold/warm air from excaping your home

Turn water off while brushing your teeth

Walk somewhere instead of riding in a car

Get everything you need out of the fridge in one trip

www.nueceselectric.org

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Spring Planting...

Call Before You Dig When anyone digs in Texas, whether planting a tree or digging the foundation of a skyscraper, there is a high probability of an underground utility line being within the dig site. Hitting an underground utility line does more than interrupt utility service; it risks the safety of the person digging and the public.

Texas law requires homeowners to contact 811 two business days (excluding weekends and holidays) before digging, even if you’re working in your own backyard. Homeowners should contact 811 when building or repairing a fench, planting a tree, installing a sprinkler system, or planning an chore that requires digging.

There are two ways to contact Texas 811 and both methods are free of charge and available 24/7/365.

1. Use your phone to call “811” and listen to the directions and prompts, or 2. Go online and visit https://txhop.texas811.org/ In addition, it’s important to be aware of power lines when planting trees. Follow the graphic guide below to ensure your tree will not create a safety or reliability problem in the future for you and your neighbors.

If you are hiring a contractor to do the work for you, it is the contractor’s responsibility to contact 811 two business days prior to digging. You may want to make sure your contractor has notified 811 before the work begins by requesting the ticket number.

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Landscaping with Trees for Energy Efficiency Using shade effectively requires you to know the size, shape, and location of the moving shadow that your landscaping casts. Also, homes in cool regions may never overheat and may not require shading.

Therefore, it is important to understand what landscape shade options will work best in your regional climate and your microclimate.

Trees are available in a variety of appropriate sizes, densities, and shapes for almost any shade need. To block solar heat in the summer but let much of it in during the winter, use deciduous trees. To provide continuous shade or to block heavy winds, use dense evergreen trees or shrubs. In hot climates use native species or drought tolerant trees or shrubs that are adapted to local climate conditions.

from lower late afternoon sun angles, or to the south on solar-heated homes. Be careful not to plant evergreens too close to your home’s south side if you want to collect passive solar heat from the winter sun.

Deciduous trees with high, spreading crowns (i.e., leaves and branches) can be planted to the south of your home to provide maximum summertime roof shading. But be careful not to plant such trees on the southern sides of solar-heated homes. Shading rooftop solar systems, even partially, will directly impact their effectiveness. Trees with crowns lower to the ground are more appropriate to the west, where shade is needed

Although a slow-growing tree may require many 522it- 8637 years of growth(361) before shades your roof, it will generally live longer than a fast-growing tree. Also, because slow-growing trees often have deeper roots and stronger branches, they are less prone to breakage by windstorms or heavy snow loads. Slow-growing trees can also be more drought resistant than fastgrowing trees.

Do a 3-Step HVAC Test As temperatures rise, so do electric bills as air conditioners run more. A three-step heating, ventilating and air conditioning test can help you determine if your AC unit is running at peak efficiency.

1.

Using a digital probe thermometer, measure the temperature of the air being pulled into the air conditioning filter.

2.

Measure the temperature of the air blowing out of a vent.

3.

Subtract the vent output temperature from the filter intake temperature. There should be a difference of about 17–20 degrees.

If the difference is less than 17 degrees, check the coolant level. If the difference is greater than 20 degrees, check your ductwork for restrictions.

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Before performing this test, the outdoor temperature should be above 80 degrees. Set your thermostat below the room temperature to ensure the system runs long enough for the test.

Your HVAC system is essential to keeping your home comfortable. If it breaks down, the equipment can be expensive to repair or replace. With a little maintenance, you can add years to your system’s operating life.

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NEC Annual Employee Awards Luncheon NEC held its annual employee awards luncheon on January 24th.

Employees gathered for a delicious lunch and dessert and shared a few moments to appreciate each other’s work and achievements.

NEC employees were recognized if they reached a service milestone, were selected as Employees of the Month in the previous year, served on the Employee Engagement Committee, were promoted during the year and/or attained an educational achievement.

NEC CEO, Avan Irani, recognized the achievement of safety milestones by all employees, including a year with no recordable or lost time accidents and almost 2 years with no vehicular accidents. Irani stated, "Our employees are the reason we are successful as we work to meet our members' needs.

They are critical to our mission and we appreciate all they do." Irani also recognized the outstanding work of the 2021 Employees of the YearJoe Riviera and Paula Shadle; and announced NEC’s 2022 Employee Engagement Committee members.

NEC Directors, Dr. Rumaldo Juarez, Gladys Lippincott, and Board VicePresident Bill Hartman attended the event on behalf of the Board of Directors to express their appreciation.

Dr. Rumaldo Juarez recognized all NEC employees and expressed, on behalf of the Board of Directors, their deepest appreciation for their hard work, dedication and service to the members and the Co-op.

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NEC Employee Recognition Attained Service Milestones Andrew Villarreal • • Christie Melendez Joanna Prado • • Kenneth Krueger Sergey Seryogin • • Rhonda Bell

5 years 5 years 5 years 10 years 15 years 20 years

Employees of the Month January: Chris Kapchinskie • • March: Annalisa Del Alto June: Cora Alvarado • August: Paula Shadle • October: Joe Rivera • • November: Julian Salinas December: Robert Briones and Chris Tiner • Employees of the Year for 2021 • Joe Rivera Paula Shadle • 2021 Employee Engagement Committee Mindy Garrison • • Isabelle Cavazos • Annalisa Del Alto • Albert Garza 2022 Employee Engagement Committee • Susan Bridges Cynthia Garza • • Darshan Bhakta • Christopher Johnston • Eric Herman Emma Garcia • Promotions • Jonathan Espinoza, Apprentice III • Andrew Villarreal, Engineering Supervisor • Darshan Bhakta, Apprentice I • Maverick Michael, Apprentice I • Roxie Flores, Member Care Representative III • Mindy Garrison, Member Care Representative II • Joel Ruiz, Apprentice III • Chris Kapchinskie, Apprentice IV • Julian Salinas, Apprentice I • Matthew Martinez, Apprentice I • Riley Ramos, Apprentice I • Mike Gutierrez, Apprentice I • Chris Johnston, Journey Line Worker - DOL Certificate and Journeyman Statue Educational Accomplishments Sergey Seryogin, Bachelor’s Degree • • Vicky Garcia, Master’s Degree • Adriana Pena, Master’s Degree

www.nueceselectric.org

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We Couldn’t D o It Without Yo u!

Grea t Job!

KUD

OS!

e!

n Well Do www.nueceselectric.org

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March 22nd is National Agriculture Day

Photo Credit: USDA

March 22 is National Agriculture Day! Today and every day, we recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture. We appreciate all those who keep us fed no matter what.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Texas Independence Day Wednesday, March 2 Daylight Saving Time Sunday, March 13 Set clocks forward one hour.

First Day of Spring Sunday, March 20 International Waffle Day Friday, March 25

It’s because of our agriculture community that your Co-op exists! It was rural farmers with a desire to bring electricity to rural farms and areas, who gathered together to create your electric cooperative.

This is a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture as leaders in our rural communities and for the crops and livestock that provide abundance to us all. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

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• Understand how food and

fiber products are produced.

• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training.

By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture.

Each American farmer feeds more than 165 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States. www.nueceselectric.org

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Payment Options: Pay Online www.nueceselectric.org Access your account 24 hours a day from any computer to view usage, make payments or manage your account. Just click on “Pay Your Bill”, on the left side of our Homepage and it will take you to the SmartHub account portal.

Pay With Your Smart Device Download the SmartHub app to your iPhone or Andriod device. View usage, weather impacts, make payments and manage your account any time of the day.

Auto Draft: Sign up to have your bank account or credit card drafted for your monthly bill. You can sign-up via your SmartHub online account.

Find us on the web at: www.nueceselectric.org Call us at: 361-387-2581 or 1-800-632-9288 Your Elected Board Directors: Brian Menking: District 6, President Bill Hartman, District 5, Vice-President David Rosse, District 3, Secretary Treasurer Johnny Alvarado, District 7 Gladys Lippincott, District 8 (Retail) Donald Herrmann, District 4 Gregg Truesdale, District 2 Rumaldo Z. Juarez, District 1

Main Office / Mailing Address: 14353 Cooperative Ave Robstown, TX 78380 (Calallen) M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ben Bolt Service Center: 5646 S. Hwy 281 Alice, TX M-F 8 - 12 / 12:30 - 4 Ricardo Service Center: 123 CR 1026, Ricardo, TX M, W, F 8 - 12 / 12:30 - 4 Orange Grove Service Center: 5302 W. FM 624 Temporarily closed

Local Pages Editor: communications@nueceselectric.org

Equal Payment Plan Through this payment program, a member’s usage is averaged for the year and the member makes equal payments each month. See more information and sign up online under the Member Services ->Payment Options menu tab, or call the office.

Pay by Phone: 800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288)

Use the NEC Outage Viewer to view outages 24-hours a day with any device. The Outage Viewer is located on the homepage our website.

NEC Power Providers PLEASE NOTE: The (CRs) listed below have completed the process to qualify and are currently serving NEC area members. This provider list is subject to change. For the most up-to-date list of providers, please monitor our website nueceselectric.org or you can obtain a list from any NEC office.

Pay in Person: Pay your bill at any one of our Customer Service centers located in Calallen, Ben Bolt, or Ricardo.

Pay by Mail: P.O. Box 659821, San Antonio, TX 78265

Pay at the Payment Kiosk Quick, easy, and accessible 24 hours a day, the Kiosk is located at the Calallen office. Payments post immediately to your account.

Payment Services Pay using any Fidelity Express Pay Stations or for an additional $1.50 service charge. Search online to find a payment station near you.

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AP GAS & ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL APOLLO POWER & LIGHT COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BLUESTAR ENERGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY CHAMPION ENERGY SERVICES COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL CONSTELLATION ENERGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY CORAL POWER SOLUTIONS LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL DYNEGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENERGY TRANSFER LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENERTRADE ELECTRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL HINO ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SHELL ENERGY SOLUTIONS COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY NEC CO-OP ENERGY RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, & INDUST TENASKA LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENCOA (TERM) COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY STARTEX POWER LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SOURCE POWER & GAS COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL CLEAN SKY ENERGY RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, & INDUST

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Andre y POPOV | iStOCk .COm

Electric Notes

How To Seal Air Leaks With Caulk a i r l e a k s c a n wa s t e a lot of energy dollars, letting hot air inside during the warmer months and allowing drafts during the cooler season.

Sealing all those cracks and large openings to the outside is one of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

First, gather the materials you will need for the project, including: Caulk and caulk gun. Most caulking compounds come in disposable cartridges. Consider that you’ll probably need a half-cartridge per window or door.

Putty knife or large screwdriver. A tool for scraping will help you remove old caulk before applying new sealant.

Paper towels or a rag. Keep a damp cleaning cloth available to wipe up any stray caulk.

When you’re ready to begin, follow these step-by-step instructions from the DOE: 1. Clean all areas that you plan to caulk. Remove any old caulk and paint. Make sure the area is dry so you won’t seal in any moisture.

2. Prepare the caulking gun. Cut the tip of the cartridge of caulk at a 45-degree angle and insert the tube in the gun. If you’ve 1 8 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

never used a caulking gun, do a test caulking by applying a line onto a newspaper or paper towel so you have a good sense of what to expect before trying your hand on a door or window.

3. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle to the edge that’s to be filled. Slide the tube nozzle along the joint while pulling the trigger of the caulk gun to apply the material. You’ll know you’ve got the right angle when the caulk is immediately forced into the crack as it comes out of the tube. Try to avoid stops and starts.

4. “Tool” the caulk by pushing it into the crack. Once you’ve covered 2–3 feet of the surface with a bead of caulk, dampen your finger (or spoon, piece of wood or foam paintbrush) and glide over the bead, pushing the caulk into the crack.

5. Clean up any mistakes or excess caulk with a damp rag. Take care of any problem areas right away.

6. Allow the caulk to dry according to the directions on the package. It usually takes about 24 hours for caulk to fully cure. D

t e x ASC O O P POw e r .C O m

Day l i G h t s av i n G t i m e begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 13, and many people dread losing an hour of sleep as the clock springs forward.

For most folks, settling into new routines after a time change takes several days, but for others, it can be dangerous. One study showed that fatal accidents increase the Monday after a time change.

Adjusting to the change can be hard, but a few tips from The Old Farmer’s Almanac can help.

Get enough sleep. Even though it might be tempting to stay up later to make use of the extra daylight, going to bed at the same time can help you stay energized. So can getting about eight hours of sleep before and after the transition.

Wind down before bedtime. Turn off the TV and put away the phone, tablet or computer about an hour before going to bed. Those electronics emit light that stimulates the brain and hinders melatonin production.

Turning them off also helps cut back on electricity use.

Establish a healthy dinnertime routine. Don’t change your dinnertime to adjust for the time change. Eat at the same time or earlier a few days before and around the time change.

Get some sunshine. Light from the sun helps regulate the body’s internal clock, so go outside in the days after the time change and get some sunshine. Using an alarm clock with a light can help you wake up with more ease too.

Sneak in a nap. If you have trouble getting enough sleep at night, take a short nap—about 20 minutes—to help balance your sleep deficit.

Ward off sleepiness by going outside and soaking in some sunlight for a few minutes.

Starting the adjustment process a few days ahead of the time change can help you slip into daylight saving time gracefully. D

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Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time

Look Up Before You Plant

s p r i n G i s a good time to plant shade trees, which eventually will grow up and out and cast some nice shade on your house, keeping it cooler during the summer.

but beware of where you plant. tree branches can conduct electricity, creating a possible shock hazard for utility workers who need to service overhead power lines that are too close to towering trees. do some homework about the trees you’ve chosen before you plant them. know how tall and wide each one will grow. that way you can plant it in a spot where, when it’s fully grown, it will still be at least 10 feet away from a utility pole and overhead wires. here are a few other smart springtime cautions:

e Call your electric cooperative and 811 before you dig a hole to plant a tree— just to make sure you won’t interfere with underground lines on your property. that one is not only a safe practice; it’s the law.

e don’t climb a ladder that’s within reach eO nere n | iStOCk .COm

of a power line.

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e hire a professional to prune any tree

branches that are near overhead wires. that’s not a job for a do-it-yourselfer. D

m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 1 9

Beachcombing at home.

Texas Co-op Power presents an illustrated Seashells of Texas poster by artist Aletha St. Romain, 20x16 inches, suitable for framing.

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The Invention of the Year The world’s lightest and most portable mobility device Once in a lifetime, a product comes along that truly moves people. Introducing the future of battery-powered personal transportation . . . The Zinger.

Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field.

Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!” –Kent C., California The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum. It weighs only 47.2 lbs but can handle a passenger that’s up to 275 lbs! It features one-touch

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With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

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Texas USA

The Shoes two marine families become linked on a sorrowful path B y a l e x a . r a m o n J r . • i l l U s t r at i o n B y J o h n k a c h i k

s e v e r a l y e a r s aG o our son, Staff Sgt. Alex A. Ramon III, received the dreadful news of the passing of a close Marine friend, Cpl. John C. Flynn.

They had previously served together on one of many combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Alex was John’s squad leader—and the only son of my wife, Drucilla, and me.

With tears in his eyes, our son slowly said, “Dad, one gets calloused in seeing awful things in war, but you never get used to seeing a fellow Marine die.”

Our son was processing the news when he got another phone call. The family of Cpl. Flynn was requesting our son’s presence. A Marine was needed to supervise and assist the funeral home on the proper placement of their son in his dress blue uniform. Our son left to support his friend’s family.

Arriving in Arkansas, Alex immersed himself in the sorrowful task at hand. At the funeral home, he immediately noticed that John’s shoes for his dress blues were missing. A call to the family requesting the shoes provided no results. Without further burdening the family, our son took the initiative and acted quickly to remedy the situation in time for the funeral. Alex subsequently kept in touch with John’s family and provided them comfort the best he could.

Two years later, the unimaginable occurred— our son passed away. Alex died December 6, 2015, from cardiac arrest caused by mixing alcohol with opioids he was prescribed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

How can you understand or explain the pain of losing a child? Nothing can prepare you. Remembering what our son endured emotionally with the task of supervising the preparation of his friend for the funeral, we requested the Marine assigned to this duty not be a friend or an acquaintance of Alex.

We did not want to inflict more sorrow on any of Alex’s friends.

Funeral arrangements had to be made, and we were numb. The sudden loss placed us in limbo, but as with John’s family, we received a call from the funeral director, who said, “We have received the uniform, but we still need his shoes.” We had no idea where our son’s shoes were.

As the arrangements were progressing, minus the shoes, one of the Marines who came by to give his condolences had been contacted by John’s family 2 4 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

and said they wanted to speak with us. John’s dad told us his family was coming from Arkansas and would like to attend our son’s funeral. I said, “Of course, this would be nice. My wife and I would be extremely grateful and would surely welcome the support.”

John’s father paused—then proceeded to request a favor. He said, “It would be an honor if you would allow Alex to wear John’s shoes.” At this point I was stunned since I knew the funeral home needed shoes for our son’s uniform. Had John’s father spoken to the funeral home? I was confused but at the same time relieved. “Of course we would do it; it would be an honor,” I answered.

John’s father recounted the story of how his family could not locate John’s shoes before their son’s funeral. Now that time had passed, they had unexpectedly found the shoes, and he went on to describe the unselfish act our son performed the day of their son’s funeral. Knowing John’s shoes were missing, Alex had taken immediate action, removing his shoes and placing them on his friend.

We had no idea all this had occurred. Our son never mentioned what he had done.

We told John’s family that we could not find Alex’s shoes to give to the funeral home. Now we knew why.

The burial proceeded, and our son was buried with John’s shoes.

Although it has been years since our son’s funeral, it feels like yesterday. An invisible wound remains, but faith remains the best remedy for the pain, especially believing that God intervened in the lives of these two Marines and made this amazing story possible. Two different families, from two close friends, were tasked to walk in each other’s shoes.

What is left now are loving, indelible memories of our sons and a living testament of the bond Marines share that transcends explanation. D

reprinted and edited from the december 2019 issue of Leatherneck, a marine Corps Association monthly magazine. illustration of Alex A. ramon iii in iraq based on a photo provided by his family.

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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? Dear Darryl My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option.

I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained?

Clogged and Smelly – El Paso, TX

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DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock'"'; and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up.

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Advertise in Texas Co-op Power marketplace elaine Sproull (512) 486-6251 advertising@texasCoopPower.com m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 2 7

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

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t e x ASC O O P POw e r .C O m

Footnotes in Texas History

listen as w.f.

Strong narrates this story on our website.

The Inside Track railroads scattered—and united—early communities across the state B y W. f. s t r o n g • i l l U s t r at i o n B y t r a c i d a B e r k o t h e e a r l i e s t t e x as towns took hold alongside protected bays (Galveston and Corpus Christi) and riverbanks (San Antonio and El Paso). But by the late 1800s, railroads were planting the seeds that raised towns. More than any other technology, trains ushered Texas into the industrial age.

The railroads got a slow start in Texas, but an attractive funding program allocated the railroad companies more than 10,000 acres of land and a $6,000 loan for every mile of track.

Towns developed along railroads for many reasons—one being that every 20 miles or so, steam locomotives required water. So water depots were built as needed, regardless of whether a favorable place for a town to prosper was nearby. t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

The far West Texas town of Valentine is such a case. The stop for the water depot was given that name because a railroad crew arrived there on Valentine’s Day 1882. Some say, however, that the town was named for John Valentine, a major stockholder in the railroad. Both could be true (a twofer, you might say).

The town of 130 or so people still exists, and the post office does a booming business for, you guessed it, Valentine’s Day. Some towns sprang up haphazardly because a construction camp lasted long enough for communal roots to grow.

Langtry, along the Mexico border, was such a place. A tent town developed where the railroad builders lived while the project was underway, and the town was named for George Langtry, a railroad engineer for the Southern Pacific.

But Judge Roy Bean, famous as the Law West of the Pecos, rewrote that history to suit his own narrative. He sold worldwide the fiction that he had named the town for Lillie Langtry, the British American actress. He was so successful in selling this myth that she stopped to visit the town shortly after Bean died.

Abilene was created by the construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway line, with cattlemen and developers collaborating to establish a cattle market similar to Abilene, Kansas (for which Abilene was named). They needed room to build the cattle market, so the railroad bypassed Buffalo Gap, a more established community, prompting many in Buffalo Gap to relocate, since the railroad lines were the lifeblood of commerce in those days. Alongside those tracks on the first day of lot selling, the First Presbyterian Church was founded, and that prophesied the reputation of Abilene as having more churches per capita than any other town in Texas, not to mention three Christian colleges.

In 1860 the Houston and Texas Central Railway built a line through East Texas and created a depot that would become College Station. The school that would become Texas A&M University opened its doors in 1876. The next year the U.S. Postal Service designated the town College Station because that was the name of the railroad passenger depot.

The railroad is still there, bifurcating the enormous 5,200-acre campus that it once bordered only on the west side.

The age of railroad dominance in Texas development is gone now, but the Lone Star State still boasts an important claim: Texas holds more miles of railroad than any state in the union—10,539— which still move the state’s commerce. D

m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 2 9

TCP Kitchen

Texas’ Best turn this lineup of lone Star icons into staples in your kitchen By megan mye rs, food e ditor

So many things come to mind when one thinks of texas food that it’s hard to distill it into a few distinct dishes. beyond that, each region puts its own spin on things, resulting in a wonderfully vibrant food culture from top to tip. texas caviar is a dish that many folks have made their own since it first appeared in the 1940s. i add crisp bacon and avocado, though you can skip the bacon if you want to keep it vegetarian.

Texas Caviar With Bacon and Avocado c av i a r

1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced ½ cup diced red onion 1 cup halved grape tomatoes 2 slices crisp-cooked bacon, chopped ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 avocado, diced dressing

½ cup olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon pepper

1. c a v i a r in a large bowl, stir together black-eyed peas, beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, bacon and cilantro.

2. d r e s s i n g in a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour half the dressing over salad and mix well. Add more dressing to taste.

3. Gently stir in diced avocado just before serving. serves 8

follow along with megan myers and her adventures in the kitchen at stetted.com, where she features a recipe for Chili beef Pie.

$500 winner

Texas Praline Sheet Cake

Shirley Smith PedernAleS eC

cake

1 cup (2 sticks) butter 1 cup water 2½ cups flour 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs, lightly beaten icing

Pinto Beans and Jalapeño Sausage

S h A r O n C r i S m A n - PA r k e r CentrAl texAS eC SAn bernArd eC

this hearty dish is perfect for showcasing locally made sausage. Crisman-Parker has been making this dish for more than 35 years and recommends the jalapeño sausage from krolczyk meat market in hempstead.

reCiPe PhOtOS : me GAn mye rS. wi nn er PhOtO : CO u rte Sy Sh irle y Smith

1 pound dry pinto beans 2 slices bacon or salt pork 1 teaspoon olive oil ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1½ teaspoons minced garlic ½ teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon garlic pepper pinch ground cayenne pepper 4 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon pepper 1 package smoked jalapeño sausage, sliced

1. Soak beans 45 minutes–1 hour. drain and rinse beans, then pour into a stockpot or dutch oven. Add enough water to cover beans.

the aroma of the cooked icing for this sheet cake is irresistible, so don’t be surprised if you sneak a taste while spreading it onto the cake.

Skipping the usual chocolate addition helps texas pecans shine in this crowd-pleasing dessert. serves 24

1 cup (2 sticks) butter 2 cups loosely packed brown sugar ½ cup half-and-half 4 cups unsifted powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped

1. c a k e Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a deep 18-by-13-inch baking sheet or jelly roll pan.

2. in a small saucepan, combine butter and water and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

3. in a large bowl, mix together flour, sugars and baking soda. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla and eggs; mixture will be thick and sticky. Carefully mix in the butter-water mixture and stir until smooth.

4. Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to edges. bake 20 minutes, until golden brown.

5. i c i n g in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring to melt evenly. boil 2 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and bring back to a boil, then remove from heat. whisk in powdered sugar until melted and icing is thick and creamy. fold in vanilla and pecans. while cake and icing are still warm, pour icing on cake and spread to edges. let cool before serving.

2. Add bacon and olive oil, and cook on low 15 minutes.

3. Add onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, garlic pepper and cayenne. Cover and continue to cook on low 15 minutes, adding water if needed to keep beans submerged. Stir in chili powder, salt and pepper and continue to cook on low until beans begin to soften, adding water as needed. when beans are starting to COntinued > t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

$500 Recipe Contest best burGers due mArCh 10 what’s going on your grill this spring? Submit your recipes at texasCoopPower.com/contests by march 10 for a chance to win $500. m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3 1

2. Pulse peeled tomatoes in a food processor until chunky but not watery, then add to the saucepan along with broth, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. reduce heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

reCiPeS COntinued

soften, after about 30 minutes, add the sausage.

4. Continue cooking, covered, on low until beans are tender. Serve with cornbread. serves 6–8

3. Cut tortillas into 1-inch strips, then cut in half crosswise. Cover the bottom of a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil and heat over medium. Cook tortilla strips until crisp, 7–10 minutes, then place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

South Texas-Style Migas CeleSte Smith PedernAleS eC

Smith’s South texas roots informed her recipe for migas, which she has been making for her family for years. enjoy the dish on its own or tuck it into flour tortillas and serve with refried beans. vegetable oil 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 small onion, diced 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced 1 clove garlic, minced 3 large plum tomatoes, peeled

¼ cup chicken broth 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt, divided use ¼ teaspoon pepper 6 5-inch corn tortillas 4 eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. in a saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 teaspoon oil, then add bell pepper, onion, and serrano or jalapeño. Sauté 5 minutes, until onion is transparent, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

4. drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil and add eggs to warm skillet. Cook without stirring until eggs begin to set on the bottom, then draw a spatula across the bottom to form large curds. Sprinkle with remaining salt and return tortilla strips to the pan.

Stir well and cook until eggs are set but still moist. remove from heat, top with the sauce and cheese and serve. serves 2

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Hit the Road

Know Before You Go

C OurteSy C he t G A r ner

Call ahead or check an event’s website for scheduling details.

MARCH 01

canyon [1–19] southwest abstractions of emil bisttram, (806) 651-2244, panhandleplains.org austin [1–20] Daniel Johnston: i live my broken Dreams, (512) 453-5312, thecontemporaryaustin.org

chomping at the trip

alpine [1–april 2] texas as art, (432) 837-8145, museumofthebigbend.com

beaumont’s Gator Country gives travelers a taste of the wild side By che t garne r

burnet [1–april 30] birds, bees & butterflies, (512) 334-2070, canyonoftheeagles.com

GrowinG up in

Southeast Texas, I always had a fascination with alligators. Every time my family drove past a marsh (which was a lot), I would eagerly scan, hoping to see a pair of eyes peeking above the water. Occasionally I would spot one and nearly burst with giddy excitement.

With that early influence in mind, you can imagine my thrill when I discovered Gator Country Adventure Park—home to more than 450 alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles just outside Beaumont.

My adventure started with a walk across a bridge spanning a pond packed with more alligators than I could count and continued with exhibits featuring snakes and turtles and at least six outdoor habitats. The pond for large gators had residents that measured more than 12 feet long, including one named Kong.

But no gator in the park can hold a candle to Big Al and Big Tex—two creatures so intimidating they each get a personal pond. Big Al measures more than 13 feet long and weighs a half ton. He was the largest gator in captivity in America until the arrival of Big Tex, measuring an inch shy of 14 feet.

Like most of the gators here, Big Al and Big Tex were rescued after being deemed nuisances and a danger to the public. For owner Gary Saurage, the park is a place where alligators can be cared for and serve as tools to educate the public instead of being killed.

Even though I found a new level of love and respect for these prehistoric creatures, I couldn’t leave without also tasting alligator meat (sourced from a farm, not the park). So I ordered a basket of fried gator bites from the snack bar and marveled at how powerful—and delicious— alligators truly are. D Chet keeps Jana Saurage of Gator Country between him and bruce.

AbOVe

08 10 11 12 17 18

bandera [8–12] Fiber and arts week and Festival, (949) 400-4225, banderafiberandarts.com brenham texas a&m singing cadets, (979) 337-7240, thebarnhillcenter.com Grand prairie no cap comedy tour, (972) 854-5050, texastrustcutheatre.com burton texas ranger Day, (979) 803-0393, burtonheritagesociety.org canton [17–19] van zandt county bluegrass Festival, (214) 802-5999, facebook.com/vzbluegrass round top [18–19] herb society pioneer unit annual plant sale, (832) 867-9617, herbsocietypioneer.org/events

watch Chet get giddy for gators in our video. And catch all his texplorations on The Daytripper on PbS. 3 4 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

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tolar [18–19] ceramic expo & handcrafted items, (254) 716-5227, westceramicshow.com Fredericksburg [18–20] trade Days, (210) 846-4094, fbgtradedays.com

19

Fredericksburg mud Dauber Festival & chili cook-off, (830) 997-3224, luckenbachtexas.com lufkin viva momix, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org mckinney [19–20] collin county master Gardeners Garden show, (214) 502-8276, ccmgatx.org/thegardenshow woodville [19–20, 25–26, april 2] tyler county Dogwood Festival, (409) 283-2234, tylercountydogwoodfestival.org

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corsicana the ahn trio, (903) 874-7792, corsicanapalace.com lufkin the malpass brothers, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org wimberley moonlight swing, (281) 773-8874, wimberleyvalleybigband.org beaumont [24–april 3] south texas state Fair & rodeo, (409) 832-9991, beaumontcvb.com

25

brenham michael martin murphey, (979) 337-7240, thebarnhillcenter.com Georgetown [25–26] tropical Garden Quilt show, (512) 658-6973, handcraftsunlimited.com mOre eVentS >

Submit Your Event we pick events for the magazine directly from texasCoopPower.com. Submit your may event by march 10, and it just might be featured in this calendar. t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

Fredericksburg Getaway Contest

Enter to win a two-night stay in charming and historic Fredericksburg, where you’ll enjoy unique food, architecture and culture.

Enter Today

TexasCoopPower.com/contests m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3 5

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lufkin David phelps, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org

Pick of the Month texas storytelling Festival denton, march 10–13 (940) 380-9320 tejasstorytelling.com

the tejas Storytelling Association’s signature event goes virtual this year. more than 50 storytellers will share ghost stories and texas tales, and a liars contest and concerts are also on tap. mArCh eVentS COntinued

25

Call today to request a FREE Price Comparison Report for you and your family members.

burnet hill country lawn and Garden show, (512) 756-3059, burnetcountyhighland lakesmastergardener.org Fredericksburg hill country indian artifact show, (830) 329-2636, hillcountryindianartifacts.com

Texas Agency Lic. 13686, Agent 738393

3 6 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

31

huntsville herb Festival at the wynne home, (936) 891-5024, texasthymeunit.org lufkin citizens at Last, (936) 633-5454, angelinaarts.org college station [26–27] living history weekend, (979) 690-0501, americangimuseum.org

beaumont music in the Gardens, (409) 832-2134, mcfaddin-ward.org port aransas texas plastic pollution symposium, (361) 749-3046, portaransas.org

APRIL 01

Galveston a Bronx tale: chazz palminteri, 1-800-821-1894, thegrand.com

marshall [25–26] east texas square and round Dance association Festival, (903) 922-3692, etsrda.com burton [25–april 2] la bahia antique show, (979) 289-2684, labahiaantiques.com

26

1-800-323-3220

Galveston the Queen’s cartoonists, 1-800-821-1894, thegrand.com Grand prairie ana Gabriel, (972) 854-5050, texastrustcutheatre.com

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No Health Questions No Medical Exam

27

mcallen art crawl, (832) 202-4881, exploremcallen.com

02

corsicana texas country boys, (903) 874-7792, corsicanapalace.com port arthur [2–3] cajun heritage Fest, (409) 835-2787, cajunheritagefest.com

03 05 07

abilene Dog Man: the Musical, (325) 677-1161, cpasabilene.org canyon [5–7] week of the young child: choose your class adventures, (806) 651-2244, panhandleplains.org Fort worth [7–10] main street Fort worth arts Festival, (817) 336-2787, mainstreetartsfest.org

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Focus on Texas

The Texas Experience

farming, wildlife, scenic views and music—there’s a lot to love about texas. Grab a chair, pour a glass of iced tea and take a look at how sweet life here is. c U r a t e d B y g r a c e f U lt z

1 C A n d A C e PA u ly h A m i lt O n C O u n t y e C

As Pauly and her husband bring native texas species back to their ranch, they were subjected to a ragweed awakening.

2 J u l i A n A wA lt e r CentrAl texAS eC

Greetings from a young, adorable longhorn in Salado.

3 triSh ferGuSOn heArt Of texAS eC

Sunset at Sotol Vista in big bend national Park, one of texas’ hidden treasures.

1

4 Sue rOGerS b r yA n t e x A S u t i l i t i e S

“fiddling Ann leonard (sadly recently deceased) and banjo picker Sue rogers playing some texas tunes under the trees.”

2

3

Upcoming Contests due mAr 10 due APr 10 due mAy 10

Morning Glory Motorsports Light and Shadow

4

enter online at texasCoopPower.com/contests.

See focus on texas on our website for more texas experience photos from readers.

t e x ASC O OPPOwer .COm

m A rC h 2 0 2 2 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3 7

Observations

the author at blanco State Park. tell us about your flying leaps into the unknown: letters@texascooppower.com.

Just add adventure

flying leaps into the unknown—above or underwater—are the spice of life B y pa m l e B l a n c photo By chris le Bl anc

3 8 T E X AS CO-OP POWER mArCh 2022

F o r a n a n o s e c o n D,

as I sailed over the side of an 18-foot rubber raft churning through a swirling rapid at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, I second-guessed a personal mantra I adopted a decade ago: Get your hair wet.

Maybe whitewater rafting through waves as big as school buses on a 15-day trip organized by friends wasn’t such a good idea. Then I caught a rope on the side of the boat, managed to hoist myself ungracefully back onto the bobbing yellow vessel and saw that my pal Jimmy, who’d also been pitched out, was getting a kayak tow to shore. That’s when my belief was reaffirmed.

Yes, it’s way better to take a flying leap into the unknown than it is to sit on the sidelines and watch everybody else have fun—as long as you’re wearing a life

jacket and helmet.

I’m not an adrenaline junkie. I don’t take unnecessary risks. But for me, living means doing things that make me a tad nervous. It’s why I scuba dive, backpack and try new things. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I look like an idiot, but I always feel my heart beat and my mind expand.

The go-for-it mindset stems from my upbringing. When I was a kid, my dad took me on pint-size adventures. We explored the woodsy canyon at the end of our street, hopped cedar fences to gaze at dinosaur tracks, took a long drive to scout out a Volkswagen-size boulder balanced on the side of the highway.

My dad found wonder in the simplest things, a trait I admire.

A few years ago, after returning from a 15-day backpacking trip on California’s John Muir Trail with my husband, who has also clung with me by a metal hook to an ocean reef while hundreds of hammerhead sharks schooled overhead, I declared it my year of adventure. For 12 months I did things that scared me— from jumping off a 10-meter platform into a swimming pool to rappelling down a 38-story building while dressed as Wonder Woman and running a naked (except for a cowboy hat and shoes) 5K. Injecting adventure into everyday life doesn’t have to be extreme. It might be as simple as exploring a new neighborhood or swimming in the dark. It just takes a little creativity.

Search out a park you’ve never visited.

Eat a food you’ve never tasted. Get on your bicycle and start pedaling. You might end up with a scraped shin or a bruised ego. I’ve suffered both, hundreds of times over.

But I’ve also logged some of the most memorable experiences of my life, including that dip in churning water in the Grand Canyon. D

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